Government offers assistance to quake-hit Japan; says Indians safe

India on Friday conveyed its sympathies to Japan and its people affected by the severe earthquake and tsunami and offered assistance that may be required by that country.

"We are saddened by the loss of life and extensive damage to property and infrastructure," the ministry of external affairs said here, adding letters of sympathy with offers of assistance were written by the prime minister and external affairs minister to their Japanese counterparts.

Foreign secretary Nirupama Rao has spoken to Japanese ambassador here Akitaka Saiki to convey heartfelt sympathies and condolences as well as offer any assistance that may be required, the MEA said in a release.

The ministry also said that there were no reports of any casualties amongst the approximately 25,000-strong Indian community in Japan which is concentrated in the Kanto and Kansai regions.

"Our embassy in Tokyo and Consulate in Osaka are in touch with community members and verifying the situation on the ground. A control room has been established in the embassy of India, Tokyo which can be contacted on phone numbers 00813 32622391 to 97," it said.

The MEA is monitoring the situation closely and would take all necessary steps required as per exigencies.